Lee Campbell Has High Hopes for Gopher D

Chris Monter

04/24/2008

Lee Campbell, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound junior defensive end, was one of just three defensive players to start all 12 games last season. Unfortunately, he will miss the spring game, due to a high ankle sprain. However, Campbell has high hopes for the defense under new defensive coordinator Ted Roof. GoldenSports.Net caught up with Campbell to learn about his thoughts for the upcoming year.

Lee Campbell started the first eight games of the season at left defensive end before moving to the right side of the defense for the final four games of the year. He led all Minnesota defensive linemen in total tackles with 40 and finished fourth on the squad in tackles for losses with eight, including one sack. Campbell had at least one tackle in all 12 games.

Campbell has high hopes for an improved showing by the defense this year.

"We're focused. Steve Davis has been a great leader so far. We have a new sense of urgency going on here," Campbell said.

New defensive coordinator Ted Roof has made an impact on the team, says Campbell.

"I think that he is really good at coaching you up. He does a good job of letting you know what you did right and what you did wrong."

Gophers fans are hoping that an improved defensive performance could go a long way to ensuring a better record this fall.